Chiefs Teicher: Geno Smith makes his case as top QB in NFL draft - Page 6

**Tribal Warfare** · 02-22-2013, 06:57 PM

Geno Smith makes his case as top QB in NFL draft
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
The push to convince the NFL that he’s the top quarterback available in the draft — and the Chiefs that he’s worth the No. 1 overall pick — has started for West Virginia’s Geno Smith.

Without even a hint of cockiness, Smith suggested Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he will meet that challenge.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” Smith said. “I’m totally confident in my abilities. I’m not cocky or trying to say I’m this all-world player right now because I have many areas where I need to grow. But I do feel like I have a great, tremendous skill set and that I have an opportunity to showcase that and it’s something I look forward to.

“You can watch the tape and see all the throws I’m making. There still needs to be improvement. Inconsistency is something I’ve struggled with, I believe. Overall, I put up good statistics. But there are some situations where I could have made a better throw and I’ll be the first person to say that. I’m athletic, I’m a very smart guy. I understand defense, I have a good knowledge of the game and I also put the work in necessary.”

Smith’s combine work, including the throwing he will do for scouts on Sunday, might have to be dazzling to interest the Chiefs, at least with the top overall pick. General manager John Dorsey said recently the Chiefs and other teams were having a difficult time ranking the quarterbacks in the draft because so many, Smith included, were inconsistent last season.

That’s in line with what a lot of NFL scouts and draft analysts are thinking about this year’s group of quarterbacks, Smith in particular.

“He’s a good prospect with a strong arm,” said Bill Polian, the long-time Colts general manager. “He’s pretty accurate. He’s going to have a learning curve to get into a non-shotgun offense. He’s athletic enough. He’s not (Colin) Kaepernick but he’s athletic enough. What you don’t know is how good he is in terms of processing information and stuff like that. That’s what this predraft process is for.”

Polian said he wasn’t certain Smith is the best of this year’s draft-eligible quarterbacks.

“I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “I think there’s a group, all of whom are draft-worthy. I said last year (Robert Griffin III) and Andrew (Luck) were can’t miss. This year, I can’t say that (about a quarterback). Is there somebody who’s Russell Wilson? I haven’t seen him. Are these guys a lot like Miami’s (Ryan Tannehill)? I wouldn’t say a lot. But somebody’s going to play. They always do. Who is it going to be? I can’t say.”

Smith can make a statement that he should be the top quarterback in the draft with a strong showing at the combine and West Virginia’s pro day workout in March.

“I’m dedicated to the game, I have a zeal and a passion for the game,” Smith said. “And I’m going to work extremely hard to hone in on my skills and be the best I can be from day one.”

Many scouts believe Smith has the skills to eventually become a franchise NFL quarterback. Smith completed 71 percent of his passes as a senior with 42 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Scouts are troubled by his inconsistent throws. He missed open receivers at times for no apparent reason.

West Virginia also had an uneven season, their first in the Big 12. The Mountaineers won their first five games and were ranked as high as fifth in the country before losing six of their last eight.

“We came into a new league,” Smith said. “We came out real hot, we were fired up and ready to really prove ourselves. Inconsistency set in. When we went through that tough stretch, I was the first one to stand up in front of the team and let them know we’re going to work even harder and we’re not going to put our heads down.

“More and more (opponents) just sold out to stop the pass. We had pretty much some good rushing lanes. We had some running backs, we had a back who wasn’t healthy. We had to put (wide receiver) Tavon (Austin) back there at times. That really hurt us. We kind of struggled to move the chains and we weren’t as consistent on third downs. So all of that and the combination was just what it was, not to make any excuses, coming into a new league, it was hard for us to rebound and get back on track.”

Smith missed his initial chance to prove himself to scouts by skipping the Senior Bowl all-star game in January.

“I love competition,” he said. “I didn’t shy away from it. I have people in my corner who give me some very sound advice, who I hold dearly to, who advised me to not go.

“There will be plenty of time for me to answer those questions or any questions about me. Being here now is one of those times. I think it was a good decision and overall it worked out.”

That decision doesn’t have to be fatal to Smith’s chances to be drafted in the first round, or even with the first pick, as long as he makes the most of things this weekend.

“I can’t expect to prove any of those people wrong without even playing a down in the NFL,” Smith said. “My only expectation is to become as polished as I possibly can when I enter into the NFL and compete and be a competitor, that’s all I know how to do.

“Once I set foot on a team and I’m drafted, I’m going to come in with the same mentality. It’s not going to change. I’m going to continue to grow as an athlete and a person.”

**SAUTO** · 02-23-2013, 03:26 PM

Sorter always has good well thought out takes
Posted via Mobile Device

Sorter · 02-23-2013, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbar

OK Sorter, you seriously negative rep me and call me a racist?! I've been on here 10 years and I may disagree with someone from time to time, but saying someone had a weak interview and saying ...what?...that he cant QB because of his skin color are two completely different things. How bout you have a take and argue how brilliant you think he was? The fact that you connect it with race says something about you. Grow up kid.

htismaqe · 02-23-2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Sorter always has good well thought out takes
Posted via Mobile Device

**RealSNR** · 02-23-2013, 04:04 PM

Sorter, why can't you leave race out of it when I question Geno Smith's intelligence for no ****ing apparent stated reason?

melbar · 02-23-2013, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Sorter, why can't you leave race out of it when I question Geno Smith's intelligence for no ****ing apparent stated reason?

I did give my reasons for believing he had a bad interview. Feel free to make an intelligent response with a little more depth than "are you serious?", "racist", or you misspelled something. You seriously think calling someone racist is a viable response to a criticism of his interview. I do realize in the 10 years here and 2 on the old star board that criticism of this years sacred cow will get you thrown on the "aids tree", but I can at least back my opinion up with some substance. I've never had negative rep on this board and I get 2 negatives because someone state why they disagree with a statement. Great you've posted a lot in the last year and a half, but I have made valid points and have proven themselves for a long time.

**RealSNR** · 02-23-2013, 04:42 PM

Whining about rep? Negged. Get a grip, crybaby

melbar · 02-23-2013, 04:49 PM

Hey, have a take. You still haven't backed up your opinion with anything but smart*** high school insults. Anything...?

**RealSNR** · 02-23-2013, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbar

Hey, have a take. You still haven't backed up your opinion with anything but smart*** high school insults. Anything...?

I have, actually. I've made HUNDREDS of quality blow-by-blow reasoned posts in both Geno Smith threads. If you're not around to read them, that's not my problem.

Sorter · 02-23-2013, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbar

I did give my reasons for believing he had a bad interview. Feel free to make an intelligent response with a little more depth than "are you serious?", "racist", or you misspelled something. You seriously think calling someone racist is a viable response to a criticism of his interview. I do realize in the 10 years here and 2 on the old star board that criticism of this years sacred cow will get you thrown on the "aids tree", but I can at least back my opinion up with some substance. I've never had negative rep on this board and I get 2 negatives because someone state why they disagree with a statement. Great you've posted a lot in the last year and a half, but I have made valid points and have proven themselves for a long time.

Clearly, as it took one hit from my rep stick to put you in the red.

Nightfyre · 02-23-2013, 05:07 PM

You know, I think Geno is the kind of introverted leader who would rather lead by example (as he stated in his press conference many times) rather than get up in front of people and talk. I get the sense that when he is put in front of the press, he is uncomfortable. You can tell he doesn't like responding to vague and ridiculous questions. I don't think that makes him any less of a leader, but it is certainly part of being a starting QB in the NFL.

chiefscafan · 02-23-2013, 05:08 PM

Gotta be honest from what I've seen from combine today and being a Bama fan I'd shock the system. Why not take chance warmack. A guard at one is unheard of?

Let me ask u this of you had a chance to take a will shields player that will play for thirteen plus seasons would u do it?

I want geno don't get me wrong but if not him why not warmack?

Nightfyre · 02-23-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefscafan

Gotta be honest from what I've seen from combine today and being a Bama fan I'd shock the system. Why not take chance warmack. A guard at one is unheard of?

Let me ask u this of you had a chance to take a will shields player that will play for thirteen plus seasons would u do it?

I want geno don't get me wrong but if not him why not warmack?

Because I understand the concept of positional value?

Sweet Daddy Hate · 02-23-2013, 05:09 PM

this thread is teh races...
Posted via Mobile Device

Sweet Daddy Hate · 02-23-2013, 05:11 PM

so, any new news on our coveted penii? I had to work today.
Posted via Mobile Device

**RealSNR** · 02-23-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightfyre

You know, I think Geno is the kind of introverted leader who would rather lead by example (as he stated in his press conference many times) rather than get up in front of people and talk. I get the sense that when he is put in front of the press, he is uncomfortable. You can tell he doesn't like responding to vague and ridiculous questions. I don't think that makes him any less of a leader, but it is certainly part of being a starting QB in the NFL.

I don't think he's uncomfortable. He's just a quiet guy.

I said this earlier. Andrew Luck is the same way. He's a quiet guy, yet confident and self-aware at all times. Compare the way Geno talks to media guys vs. someone like Bray or Glennon, who just sound like nothing more than ****ing meatheads.

If Geno Smith gives off this kind of candor that we're seeing in these combine interviews and transfers that to all of his post-game press conferences, fans will love him. Nobody will question his intelligence, leadership, or comfort level in the high-pressure situation as starting QB.

Geno doesn't have to have a million dollar smile that is loved by all cameras nationwide to be good in interviews. Listen to the substance of what Geno and Barkley say. There's no difference between the two. None. Yet one guy is perceived to be a better interviewer than the other. And I think that's pretty stupid.

Brain, work ethic, and coachability. The only three things that ****ing matter in a QB's leadership, as long as he's not an asshole. Geno doesn't come across as an asshole, and he's got those three things in spades.

He's golden.

02-22-2013, 06:57 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $512813	Teicher: Geno Smith makes his case as top QB in NFL draft Geno Smith makes his case as top QB in NFL draft By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The push to convince the NFL that he’s the top quarterback available in the draft — and the Chiefs that he’s worth the No. 1 overall pick — has started for West Virginia’s Geno Smith. Without even a hint of cockiness, Smith suggested Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he will meet that challenge. “I don’t feel any pressure,” Smith said. “I’m totally confident in my abilities. I’m not cocky or trying to say I’m this all-world player right now because I have many areas where I need to grow. But I do feel like I have a great, tremendous skill set and that I have an opportunity to showcase that and it’s something I look forward to. “You can watch the tape and see all the throws I’m making. There still needs to be improvement. Inconsistency is something I’ve struggled with, I believe. Overall, I put up good statistics. But there are some situations where I could have made a better throw and I’ll be the first person to say that. I’m athletic, I’m a very smart guy. I understand defense, I have a good knowledge of the game and I also put the work in necessary.” Smith’s combine work, including the throwing he will do for scouts on Sunday, might have to be dazzling to interest the Chiefs, at least with the top overall pick. General manager John Dorsey said recently the Chiefs and other teams were having a difficult time ranking the quarterbacks in the draft because so many, Smith included, were inconsistent last season. That’s in line with what a lot of NFL scouts and draft analysts are thinking about this year’s group of quarterbacks, Smith in particular. “He’s a good prospect with a strong arm,” said Bill Polian, the long-time Colts general manager. “He’s pretty accurate. He’s going to have a learning curve to get into a non-shotgun offense. He’s athletic enough. He’s not (Colin) Kaepernick but he’s athletic enough. What you don’t know is how good he is in terms of processing information and stuff like that. That’s what this predraft process is for.” Polian said he wasn’t certain Smith is the best of this year’s draft-eligible quarterbacks. “I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “I think there’s a group, all of whom are draft-worthy. I said last year (Robert Griffin III) and Andrew (Luck) were can’t miss. This year, I can’t say that (about a quarterback). Is there somebody who’s Russell Wilson? I haven’t seen him. Are these guys a lot like Miami’s (Ryan Tannehill)? I wouldn’t say a lot. But somebody’s going to play. They always do. Who is it going to be? I can’t say.” Smith can make a statement that he should be the top quarterback in the draft with a strong showing at the combine and West Virginia’s pro day workout in March. “I’m dedicated to the game, I have a zeal and a passion for the game,” Smith said. “And I’m going to work extremely hard to hone in on my skills and be the best I can be from day one.” Many scouts believe Smith has the skills to eventually become a franchise NFL quarterback. Smith completed 71 percent of his passes as a senior with 42 touchdowns and six interceptions. Scouts are troubled by his inconsistent throws. He missed open receivers at times for no apparent reason. West Virginia also had an uneven season, their first in the Big 12. The Mountaineers won their first five games and were ranked as high as fifth in the country before losing six of their last eight. “We came into a new league,” Smith said. “We came out real hot, we were fired up and ready to really prove ourselves. Inconsistency set in. When we went through that tough stretch, I was the first one to stand up in front of the team and let them know we’re going to work even harder and we’re not going to put our heads down. “More and more (opponents) just sold out to stop the pass. We had pretty much some good rushing lanes. We had some running backs, we had a back who wasn’t healthy. We had to put (wide receiver) Tavon (Austin) back there at times. That really hurt us. We kind of struggled to move the chains and we weren’t as consistent on third downs. So all of that and the combination was just what it was, not to make any excuses, coming into a new league, it was hard for us to rebound and get back on track.” Smith missed his initial chance to prove himself to scouts by skipping the Senior Bowl all-star game in January. “I love competition,” he said. “I didn’t shy away from it. I have people in my corner who give me some very sound advice, who I hold dearly to, who advised me to not go. “There will be plenty of time for me to answer those questions or any questions about me. Being here now is one of those times. I think it was a good decision and overall it worked out.” That decision doesn’t have to be fatal to Smith’s chances to be drafted in the first round, or even with the first pick, as long as he makes the most of things this weekend. “I can’t expect to prove any of those people wrong without even playing a down in the NFL,” Smith said. “My only expectation is to become as polished as I possibly can when I enter into the NFL and compete and be a competitor, that’s all I know how to do. “Once I set foot on a team and I’m drafted, I’m going to come in with the same mentality. It’s not going to change. I’m going to continue to grow as an athlete and a person.”
Posts: 42,174

02-23-2013, 03:26 PM	#76
SAUTO Shit Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10039067	Sorter always has good well thought out takes Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 55,715

02-23-2013, 04:04 PM	#79
RealSNR Special Teams ACE!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Where the hell is SNR Casino cash: $1960208	Sorter, why can't you leave race out of it when I question Geno Smith's intelligence for no ****ing apparent stated reason?
Posts: 90,759

02-23-2013, 04:42 PM	#81
RealSNR Special Teams ACE!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Where the hell is SNR Casino cash: $1960208	Whining about rep? Negged. Get a grip, crybaby
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02-23-2013, 04:49 PM	#82
melbar Hillbilly Pharoh Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Branson MO. Casino cash: $10004900	Hey, have a take. You still haven't backed up your opinion with anything but smart*** high school insults. Anything...? __________________
Posts: 2,148

02-23-2013, 05:07 PM	#85
Nightfyre MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Helena, MT Casino cash: $3328849	You know, I think Geno is the kind of introverted leader who would rather lead by example (as he stated in his press conference many times) rather than get up in front of people and talk. I get the sense that when he is put in front of the press, he is uncomfortable. You can tell he doesn't like responding to vague and ridiculous questions. I don't think that makes him any less of a leader, but it is certainly part of being a starting QB in the NFL.
Posts: 18,570

02-23-2013, 05:08 PM	#86
chiefscafan Veteran Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: manhattan beach, CA Casino cash: $9688215	Gotta be honest from what I've seen from combine today and being a Bama fan I'd shock the system. Why not take chance warmack. A guard at one is unheard of? Let me ask u this of you had a chance to take a will shields player that will play for thirteen plus seasons would u do it? I want geno don't get me wrong but if not him why not warmack?
Posts: 4,425

02-23-2013, 05:09 PM	#88
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	this thread is teh races... Posted via Mobile Device
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02-23-2013, 05:11 PM	#89
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	so, any new news on our coveted penii? I had to work today. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 77,135